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Skyline Cruises

• Lunch Cruise Buffet Menu

A Truly Memorable Lunch

Skyline Cruises is the perfect venue to host a lunch cruise for company events such as a fundraiser and private charters for a special birthday, school event, or other celebration. The stunning views of famous New York landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty are a great backdrop for any event. Enjoy a spectacular day that includes a delicious buffet of expertly prepared lunch options and fun entertainment.    

Some Lunch Buffet Options

Lunch entrée choices.

• Caesar Salad
• Freshly Baked Rolls
• Braised Boneless Short Rib of Beef
• Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
• Vegetarian Pasta or Vegetarian Entrée
• Roasted New Bliss Potatoes
• Freshly Steamed Vegetables
• Selection of Gourmet Cakes
• Coffee, Tea, and Water Included

Dinner Entree Choices

Skyline’s attentive staff also serves premium beer, wine, and liquor at the cash bar. Want something special? Contact the event experts at Skyline to customize your experience.

Smooth Sailing

Our yacht is a floating banquet room designed for year-round cruising. It is fully climate-controlled for year-round outings and because it sails in the calm, sheltered waters of the famous New York Harbor or Long Island Sound, you’ll experience smooth sailing.

“Amazing Cruise! The staff was professional and courteous. The drinks and the dinner buffet was wonderful. We had a great time in the Skyline Cruise. I definitely recommend.”

– Olga R.

For more information about our public NYC lunch cruises, give us a call at (718) 446-1100 or contact us through the inquiry form . We look forward to cruising with you.

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The 3 Absolute Best Lunch Cruises in New York

Enjoy a lunch on a cruise.

If you don’t have time for a dinner cruise in the evening, a brunch cruise or lunch cruise is a wonderful alternative. This way, you can easily combine sightseeing and lunch and have your guide on board tell you everything you need to know about the city’s buildings, bridges and landmarks.

You'll also love this:

• The Best Dinner Cruises in New York
• The 16 Best Cruises in New York

Are you in a hurry? Here you can 👉 compare all lunch cruises and here you find 👉 all details of the lunch cruises .

But what are the best lunch cruises in New York? We will now present them to you in detail. As with the Dinner Cruises and Lunch Cruises , tickets are very popular and often book up quickly. Therefore: if there are still tickets available, you should book quickly!

The Best Lunch Cruises in NYC

Here you find my comparison of all lunch cruises in New York. You’ll find everything important including dinner options and routes:

Which lunch cruise in New York is the best?

The Lunch Cruise Around Manhattan is by far the most beautiful lunch cruise in NYC for me. Why? First of all, it’s the only boat tour that takes you completely around the island of Manhattan. On this tour you will see a lot of what you expect from NYC and what NYC is all about. And you will also see a completely different side of New York that will surprise you (I won’t tell you more!).

Another plus is the lunch menu, which includes 4 courses. And last but not least, the ship is beautiful!

Lunch Cruises NYC in Detail

Lunch cruise around manhattan.

The Lunch Cruise Around Manhattan is the only boat tour that takes you completely around the island of Manhattan. You will pass under more than 20 bridges and see all the important buildings that form the skyline of New York.

The ship is the Manhattan, which was built in the style of the yachts of the 1920s. You’ll feel right at home on board! On the Lunch Cruise Around Manhattan you can look forward to a 4-course lunch with fresh fruit, frittata, bagels with cream cheese, croissants and much more!

By the way, this lunch cruise is perfect for families!

Bateaux Lunch Cruise

This boat tour with lunch on board the Bateaux New York will take you from the Hudson River to the East River, which means you will see all the major buildings of the NYC skyline. And of course, the Statue of Liberty is included! Since the atmosphere on the Bateaux Lunch cruise is a bit more formal, guests are asked to wear long pants and no shorts or hot pants or flip flops.

Spirit: Lunch Cruise

Relax on a comfortable boat as it cruises around New York Harbor and Manhattan on this relaxing 2-hour afternoon cruise that includes an all-you-can-eat buffet and DJ’ed music. Get great views and a different perspective on the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, and the Empire State Building. And indulge in the delicious buffet lunch while doing it. Upgrade the afternoon to receive a welcome glass of champagne in a souvenir glass, a table for your party size, and access to a platinum open bar.

What is the Best Cruise in New York for you?

There are over 40 boat and sailing tours in New York and it’s not easy to choose the best one. That’s where our Cruise Finder comes in. It will help you find the best boat tour for you!

Which lunch cruise in NYC is the cheapest?

The cheapest lunch cruises start at around $98.

Where do the lunch cruises depart from in New York?

The departure point depends on the operators: the two main ones depart from Chelsea Piers on the Hudson River at Pier 61/62. However, there are also Queens and Jersey City as departure locations.

Are there lunch cruises for special events?

Yes, especially the holiday lunch cruises, christmas day lunch cruise, the fall foliage lunch cruise and the New Year’s Eve lunch cruises are very popular. If you are in New York at this time and plan to have lunch on a boat, you should book quickly. The tickets are very popular and the tours sell out quickly.

Is there a dress code?

No. Only the Bateaux lunch Cruise requires an elegant or dressy-casual attire (cocktail wear or dressy-casual attire is appropriate and dressy jeans are acceptable although casual jeans, t-shirts, athletic shoes and foam flip flops are discouraged).

The 11 Absolute Best Dinner Cruises in NYC Right Now (2024)

The 16 Absolute Best Cruises in New York

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

Hole dir deine wöchentliche Dosis New York mit meinem Loving New York-Newsletter! Er ist vollgestopft mit den neuesten Artikeln, Videos, Erfahrungsberichten und allem, was gerade Interessantes und Wissenswertes im Big Apple passiert.

Ich selbst war über 25x in meiner Lieblingsstadt und möchte dir mit meinen Emails dabei helfen, eine sensationelle Zeit vor Ort zu haben.

Und als BONUS bekommst meine ✔️ "24 Tipps für deine New York-Reise" ✔️ die U-Bahn-Karte und ✔️ die offizielle NYC-Karte zugeschickt. Ganz KOSTENLOS!

Start of your trip: We will remind you with current events when you are in NYC!

Dream Boat NY

Private yacht charters nyc.

Complete Captain & Crew Service for Parties with 2-6 Guests

With a private cruise of NYC, slip closer to the iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods that define the city. Enjoy the perfect moment on the water with champagne and catering served by top-tier crew. Your private boat ride of NYC is more than just a rental. Let it be an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Yacht Charters

starting at $600 Elevate sightseeing and entertaining with a private yacht charter in NYC complete with luxury amenities including an elegant deck lounge and cabin lounge, open floor plan, spacious seating, champagne & catering service, and professional captain & crew.

Sunset Cruise

starting at $660 Catch the Golden Hour on the water and discover magical colors and lights not seen on land.

Romantic Boat Ride

starting at $600 Just for 2 – private and romantic boat ride NYC. Perfect for anniversaries, date nights, proposals, and personal celebrations.

Brunch Cruise

starting at $600 + $49pp Elevate brunch with private yacht cruises. Sip champagne, savor decadent bites, and glide through the waters on this top-notch brunch cruise NYC.

Lunch Cruise

starting at $600 + $44pp Luxury day sailing with an all-inclusive champagne lunch. Savor every moment on our premier lunch cruise. Experience the ultimate afternoon is on a private boat charter in NYC.

Champagne & Appetizer Cruise

starting at $600 +$45pp For a stylish and glamorous night cruise, hop on a private yacht rental for an all-inclusive evening with champagne, open bar & appetizers. Reserve the best dinner Cruise NYC.

NY Boat Charters

Luxury yacht rentals with exceptional service.

For many travelers, the highlight of their visit to the city is their exclusive experience with Dream Boat NY, where yachting truly is a dream. Select a boat rental in New York that allows you to step off the sidewalk and immediately lounge on deck cushions. Float across the water while enjoying all the premium champagne and catering services . This unique combination of entertaining and sightseeing creates the perfect moment for friends and family. Celebrate all the big and small moments in life — birthdays , graduations, reunions, professional and personal achievements, team-building, corporate rewards and recognition, and private parties . Escape with your beloved for a romantic date night , anniversary , marriage proposal , bachelor or bachelorette party, and wedding party. Catch seasonal events on the water including the July 4th Fireworks celebration, and the stunning colors of the Northeast’s fall foliage .

Smaller is a Bigger Experience Small Yacht Rental in the Big City

Imagine having an intimate space to call your own with unparalleled access to the city’s stunning sights, all while receiving personalized attention from expert crew as they guide you through the city’s waterways, taking you places that larger vessels simply cannot go. Experience a private boat ride with unique opportunities to slip closer to the iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods that define the city. So come, explore the city from a new perspective, and elevate your experience with the ultimate in seclusion and luxury.

Five-Star Resort on the Water NYC Yacht Rental

Experience a floating, magical adventure more similar to traveling via Harry Potter’s platform 9¾ than Muggle gridlock and TSA lines. Step through the boat marina’s silver gate and enter a private yacht rental NYC experience. Your captain greets you personally, and attentive crew whisks away bags and baggage, replacing the day’s burdens with light food and drinks. Out on the water, VIP service is seamless and stress-free. Welcome to a five-star Manhattan yacht charter where the journey is just as important as the destination.

Savor the Flavors Catered Yacht Charter New York

A leisure tour on the Hudson River will awaken all the senses. Start your day with a classic brunch featuring fresh bagels and lox. Celebrate the day with lunch by the Statue of Liberty. Then take an evening cruise of NYC accompanied with a Charcuterie Board or refreshing Shrimp Cocktail. For the sweet tooth, select your favorite cake or tart. And what better way to toast a life well lived than with a bottle of champagne, crisp white wine, or refreshing rosé. Don’t forget to wash it all down with a cold beer, as you sit back and enjoy the city that never sleeps. Bon appétit!

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Cruise Long Island Sound, New York Harbor, and the Hudson River in casual elegance aboard Sensation . Exceptional food and drink is presented with graceful service and style!

Sensation is a New York City based luxury yacht rental.  Sensation  is perfect for a wedding, birthday party, corporate event, or other function. Sensatio n is a private yacht rental that offers both lunch cruises and dinner cruises in New York City, touring New York Harbor offering views of the New York City skyline, Statue of Liberty, and the New York City metropolitan area. Consider Sensation  a New York boat charter rental you won’t be disappointed in!

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Wine & Dine on the Water

Brunch Lunch & Dinner Cruises

Wine & dine on the water.

When you dine on Like Michigan, every table is the best in the house. Navy Pier’s brunch, lunch and dinner cruises pair world-class cuisine with panoramic views of the city and lakefront.

City Cruises – Odyssey Lake Michigan Dinner Cruises

Odyssey Lake Michigan presents special prix fixe dinner cruises, offering guests the opportunity to try one of Chicago’s most unique dining experiences at an incredible...

City Cruises – Signature Brunch Cruise on Lake Michigan

Experience the city’s most unique floating event venue! City Cruises offers all-inclusive packages, chef-prepared menus, full bar options, and entertainment customized to fit your needs—all...

City Cruises – Spirit of Chicago Dinner Cruise

Catch the Chicago skyline at sunset during the most beautiful time of the year, and join us for a fun, laid-back, 2-hour cruise. Spirit's Lakefront...

Locally owned and operated for 23 years

Set sail on StarShip in Clearwater, featuring an open bar that’s Free at Sea* . It’s the ultimate dining adventure on the waterways of Clearwater Beach. Take in spectacular views of Clearwater on our open-air top deck while enjoying a complimentary open bar. It’s time to escape and relax! Enjoy a 2-hour cruise, dining aboard America’s first 3-Diamond-rated dining yacht, refreshing beverages, and beautiful coastal views.

Cruise Information:

Location: 25 Causeway Boulevard Slip #55, Clearwater, FL 33767 Vessel: Yacht StarShip IV – View Details Boards: Sunset Cruises generally depart around 30 minutes before sunset Cruises: Departure times depend on the date selected. Please refer to the Clearwater Cruise Calendar for times

Sunset Dinner Cruise:

Price range: .

Prices are subject to change based on timing and availability. Price does not include tax, administrative & processing fees, and marine fees. For dinner cruises, $10 per adult and $5 per child gratuity are to be paid on the yacht to the server. Adult: Starts at $69.95 Child (ages 2-12): Starts at $49.95 Infants (under 2): Free, but please include them in your reservation. Groups of 25+ Passengers: Please call 813-223-7999 or email [email protected] to book.

Sunset Dinner Cruise Ticket Includes:

• 2-Hour Cruise
• View Current Menu
• Free Bar at Sea – Complimentary Open Bar  – View Bar Menu
• Complimentary Water, Tea, and Coffee
• DJ Entertainment

If you would like to upgrade your experience, please  click here  to view our available upgrades.

Sunset Cruise (No Dinner):

The Cruise-Only ticket does not include dinner and is limited to four drinks per person.

Prices are subject to change based on timing and availability. Price does not include tax, administrative & processing fees, and marine fees. A $5 gratuity per guest will automatically be applied to your booking at the time of reservation.

Adult: Starts at $39.95 Child (ages 2-12): Starts at $29.95 Infants (under 2): Free, but please include them in your reservation. Groups of 25+ Passengers: Please call 813-223-7999 or email [email protected] to book.

Sunset Cruise (No Dinner) Ticket Includes:

• 2-hour Cruise
• Free Bar at Sea – Complimentary Open Bar with a Limit to Four Drinks Per Person – View Bar Menu

Cash Policy:  We will only accept card and contactless payments for reservations, group events, and onboard purchases; cash gratuity onboard will still be accepted.

Refund Policy: This cruise is non-refundable. All menus are subject to change without notice. For the return policy, please refer to our FAQ page .

Yacht StarShip crew members and management reserve the right to limit the consumption of alcohol to any guest who is disruptive or appears intoxicated.

Dress Code: At Yacht StarShip we strive to create a sea of memories for everyone on board. We expect our guests to help support our inviting and family-friendly atmosphere by arriving in the appropriate dressy casual attire. We ask guests NOT to wear the following: excessively revealing clothing or exposed undergarments, see-through attire, mesh outfits, clothing with offensive language or graphics, ball caps, or torn pants. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to inform their party of the dress code. Admittance to Yacht StarShip is at the discretion of management who reserves the right to refuse service to patrons who arrive in attire not fitting our dress code, regardless of the reservation status. Patrons and guests who arrive and do not meet dress code requirements will not be permitted to cruise and tickets will be moved to store credit that is good for up to one year.

For any other questions, please refer to our  FAQ page .

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August 26, 2024

Welcome to Your Yacht

For less than the cost of a big-ship cruise, a private boat charter reveals the real Caribbean.

Bill Newcott

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The best of The Saturday Evening Post in your inbox!

I am splayed in an oversized bean bag on the top deck of the 62-foot catamaran Dream Baliceaux , watching a torrent of stars spill behind the five peaks of a Caribbean island called Île Fourchue.

Off in the darkness, the chihuahua-like barks of nesting brown boobies float on the still tropical air from nearby Petite Islette.

As the boat softly rises and falls, its twin hulls slapped softly by the rippled waters of this protected bay, I spot near the horizon the profile of an enormous cruise ship. Most likely, it’s one of those seagoing behemoths with four-story water slides and on-board surfing and conga lines and more people than a small city, setting course for a teeming tourist destination where straw hats and plaster coconut trees line the shop shelves and dockside hucksters wave Happy Hour flyers like they’re the national flag.

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I sigh. “Those poor wretches,” I mutter.

Here’s a hypothetical question for you:

Would you rather book a four-night, 3,000-passenger Bahamas cruise with an inside cabin and a TV screen for a porthole — or, for about the same amount of money, embark on a seven-night Caribbean voyage aboard a catamaran yacht with eight fellow travelers, all meals locally sourced by a private chef and every night spent bobbing in a secluded bay under the Milky Way?

Yeah, I know. I kinda loaded the second half of that question. But that’s the not-so-daunting dilemma I faced this past summer, weighing my options as I planned a tropical trip for two.

When most people think about yacht charters, they imagine being handed the keys to a private boat and told, “You’re on your own. See you in a week. Don’t scratch the paint.” But an increasing number of travel companies are offering fully crewed private yacht trips on set itineraries; trips that offer all the romance of a high seas adventure while requiring little more than the ability to pack some t-shirts and a couple of spare bathing suits.

Most importantly, such trips are remarkably affordable. If you can gather together enough friends and loved ones to fill five or six double cabins, companies like Boats at Sea and Virgin Island Sailing will send you off in the Caribbean with a captain and chef for prices starting between $1,500 and $3,000 per person, including just about everything. Prices can vary by destination, but even in the Mediterranean and South Pacific, private yachting gives ocean liners a run for their money.

For this trip, I’ve opted for a booking on Dream Yacht sailing vacations, which doesn’t require you to fill out the passenger list on your own: For a cabin that starts at about $1,300 per person (even less for last-minute fares), I’ve booked a week-long cruise for two out of St. Martin in the Leeward Islands, and the company has filled the rest of the cabins with similarly adventurous travelers.

Of course, “adventure” is in the eye of the beholder: The air-conditioned cabins on this boat have queen beds with private baths and showers. Because the cabins are located in the twin pontoons of the catamaran, your window is right above water level, which gives you a pretty cool view of the passing sea. But you’ll want to spend most of your travel days up top, feeling the breeze and watching the gulls swoop in and out of the catamaran’s draft.

If you feel the urge to get moving, you can always launch yourself in the boat’s tandem kayak or paddleboard, or dive off the back using the provided snorkel gear.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are all prepared by a chef, and the cost includes a cocktail each evening (if you want more alcohol on the trip, you can arrange that ahead of time).

And you don’t have to wait your turn to disembark.

It is a 25-minute ride from the brand-new Princess Juliana International Airport on the island of Sint Maarten (“The Dutch Side”) to Grande Case, St. Martin (“The French Side” of the same island), the location of the private harbor where Dream Yacht has its Leeward Islands base.

Dream Baliceaux, typical of the catamarans used on these trips, is a Lagoon 620-style cat, a 62-foot-long craft that sleeps 12 in six staterooms (plus crew quarters). The cabins are roughly the same size as you’ll find on much bigger ships, and there’s plenty of elbow room above deck, in the couch-lined, air-conditioned “saloon” (which also contains the boat’s enormous kitchen, realm of the full-time chef). Toward the back of the main deck is a covered dining area with a long table and stairs leading down to the water.

Up top is the flybridge, where the captain navigates and the rest of us lounge on cushioned benches and, in a shallow well up front, those bean bag chairs, keeping an eye out for dolphins and flying fish.

Our Skipper, David, welcomes us aboard. A native of the French maritime city of La Rochelle, he’s been a sailor all his life, as evidenced in his permanent tan and the way he scrambles from deck to deck along the ship’s exterior, not bothering with inconveniences like stairs and ladders.

Our chef is Nathalie, not a lifelong seafaring woman, but one with a miraculous way of crafting gourmet meals from whatever happens to be available in our ports of call. Whether she’s placing before us a steaming plate of ratatouille, curried chicken, mussels in wine sauce, Greek phyllo meat pie or, astonishingly, 15 different kinds of pizza (and desserts like chocolate brownies with vanilla sauce and pineapple upside-down cake), halfway through the trip I begin to suspect there are DoorDash dinghies pulling up amidship with deliveries each day.

By our second day on the catamaran, the rhythms of shipboard life have already begun to take shape: The sun filtering through our drawn shades leads to a slow-motion, yawning emergence from our cabin. Breakfast is already being made, and the low morning sunlight is angling off the water of our protected cove and into the dining area.

When we’re good and ready, we either dip into the warm, turquoise water off the back deck or accept a lift ashore from David, piloting a small inflatable boat. It is summer, off-season in the Caribbean, so we pretty much have the bays and the beaches to ourselves.

By late morning we’re back on board for lunch, after which Nathalie throws some bread off the back of the boat. Almost immediately, it is being devoured by a fish I immediately identify as a shark.

“That’s not a shark,” David corrects me. “That’s a remora.”

He’s right, of course, and I feel humbled; a city boy trying to identify wildlife.

“We do get sharks,” he adds. “If we throw chicken overboard. Then it’s….”

He starts waving his arms, snarling and gnashing his teeth.

“Like that,” he says. I wish I could witness it in person, but David’s reenactment is almost as good.

David revs up the cat’s engines, setting course for our next island destination. From St. Martin we plow east through whitecapped seas to a low-lying sand spit called Île Tintamarre, also known as Flat Island.

From a 1,000-foot-long cruise ship, spots like this are little more than blips on the bridge radar, largely interchangeable and easily ignored. From catamaran level, though, each Caribbean island becomes a realm unto itself. Île Tintamarre is an arc of sand interrupted by occasional deposits of rock and coral (the remnants of an old quarry lay inland). It’s a classic desert island, anything but deserted: Sit still long enough and you’ll glimpse hummingbirds flitting by from one tropical flowering tree to the next, and over the water you’ll spot sleek red-billed tropicbirds — their long, slender tails causing them to resemble kites as much as critters — diving for squid.

Here, time is measured more by the position of the sun than by smart watches. As dusk approaches, Nathalie summons us to the long table for the dinner she has prepared while we were playing. The sky turns purple, then gray, then black, a galaxy of stars winking to life. Across the bay, white lights perched atop the masts of the four or five other catamarans near us sway to and fro, resembling shooting stars that never burn out.

The up-close progression of unexpectedly varied islands continues through the week. Pushing south, what first appears to be a succession of five peaked islands turns out to be one continuous 300-foot-high range on a single sickle-shaped landmass — Île Fourchue . From the island’s beach, we pick out a narrow, stony path that leads to a saddle between two of the highest summits, the cactus-lined route guarded by enormous iguanas, positioned on rocky outcrops like scaled gargoyles.

We find a bench-like rock and face the setting sun. A half-mile or so away, a troupe of teenagers — residents of a nearby tropical sleepaway camp — have scaled the island’s highest peak and are perched on top; chattering ants on a sugarloaf.

From where we are sitting, the sun is setting out of sight, behind that sugarloaf of a mountain. But we’re not planning to linger, anyway — because the tropical sun plunges straight down into the sea, the period between dusk and darkness is notoriously short. We’d best head back down to the beach before the night hides our path completely.

But as we go, one last look: The rugged landscape plunging into a purple sea; scattered piles of clouds echoing the thrusting pillars of island rock. And swaying calmly in the bay, Dream Baliceaux, our floating home, patiently waiting.

Our southernmost stop is the large island of Saint Barthélemy, more widely known as St. Bart’s — named rather presumptuously by Christoper Columbus for his younger brother.

Our first overnight stop there is Colombier Beach , on the island’s north side. The place seems remote and untouched, except for an intriguingly incongruent, low-slung stone structure on a bluff overlooking the beach.

“The Rockefellers built that,” says David. “But now it’s a ruin.”

It was David Rockefeller, grandson of John D., who, along with his wife, Peggy, built the place in the late 1950s. It was a marvel of architecture at the time, with separate living and dining rooms linked by stone pathways and punctuated by flowing water and banana trees.

Hurricanes reduced the place to ruin, but a commodities broker recently bought it for $136 million.

“I guess they’ll fix it up,” says David with a shrug. “We’ll see.”

I nod in agreement. The Caribbean is littered with grandiose plans that fell victim to the realities of economics and tropical storms.

The one major town of our trip is Gustavia , on the west side of St. Bart’s. As we cruise into port, we find a handful of yachts in the harbor. “In January,” says David, waving his hand as arrive, “there are hundreds of boats here.”

Indeed, St. Barts in season is a tropical red carpet, walked regularly by the likes of Beyoncé, Gwen Stefani, Jon Bon Jovi, Jeff Bezos, Jason Statham, and Orlando Bloom. But today, in midsummer, Gustavia is all ours: We browse the shops, eat at an open café, sit in a cool pew at St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church (1855), and climb a steep stairway to Fort Karl , built by the Swedes when all of Europe seemed to consider the Caribbean its branch office.

From St. Martin to this point, we’ve been making short island hops, never sailing more than an hour or so each day, and always under motor power, due to the prevailing wind direction. But now it’s time to return to our home port. That will involve a healthy 20-mile sprint across open sea.

And for the first time on our journey, David hoists Dream Baliceaux ’s sails.

Like a large dog pulling at its leash, the southerly wind tugs at Dream Baliceaux, sending us northward in a lurch. The sails, previously wound tightly at the base of their masts, billow exultantly, as if released from a shroud.

I sit on the flybridge, half-watching David at the wheel, shamelessly enthralled in the age-old arts of the sea; half-mesmerized by the sheer force of nature catapulting us forward, feeling an ageless kinship to the pioneering sailors of Mesopotamia and, yes, those self-styled European hero/explorers, expanding the margins of their monarchs, wreaking cultural havoc while fancying themselves doing God’s work.

If I had any hair left, it would be flying in that salty Caribbean air. In the corner of one eye, do I catch a glimpse of a cruise ship, steaming to its next “Duty Free Rum Sale” port?

We are leaving it in our wake.

IF YOU GO: As with most cruises, you’ll need to arrange your own flights to the airport closest to the ship (most companies will arrange ground transportation for additional cost). Tips, local destination fees, and most alcoholic drinks are extra.

Travelers should note that, because yacht plumbing is delicate and the nearest plumber can sometimes be miles away by boat, absolutely no tissue can be flushed in the onboard restrooms. This means, yes, absolutely no tissue — which must instead be placed in bathroom trash cans the crew empties each day. Sounds dicey but, trust me, you somehow get used to it almost immediately.

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New York Statue of Liberty Signature Lunch Cruise | City Cruises™

How long is the new york signature lunch cruise.

The New York Signature Lunch Cruise lasts 2 hours.

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While on the New York Signature Lunch Cruise, you can enjoy views of the New York City skyline, including the Empire State Building, Vessel at Hudson Yards, Intrepid, the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty.

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Casual attire is recommended for this cruise.

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The cost of the New York Signature Lunch Cruise varies based on the package and booking time. Please check the website or contact customer service for the most current pricing.

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For a memorable lunch experience with a view, the New York Signature Lunch Cruise offers stunning skyline views of New York City.

What type of dining experience is offered on the New York Signature Lunch Cruise?

The cruise features a buffet with freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts. Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water are also available.

Is there live entertainment on the New York Signature Lunch Cruise?

Yes, the cruise includes live DJ entertainment to enhance your dining experience.

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Yes, there are several upgrades available including creative cocktails, wine, and beer from a well-stocked cash bar, as well as window table reservations for the best views.

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Dine, dance, and enjoy the sights of Lake Tahoe , California with a popular lunch and Lake Tahoe dinner cruise on the beautiful blue-green waters of Tahoe! Kick the day off with the Historic Glenbrook Breakfast Cruise, or make an evening of it with the Tahoe Queen Dinner Cruise . Be sure to pair lodging with it too. laketahoecruises com

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How did the superyacht carrying tech tycoon Mike Lynch sink off Sicily?

Lynch’s was among five bodies retrieved by divers on Wednesday after the Bayesian sank, according to reports.

Five bodies were retrieved on Wednesday, and a sixth on Friday , by divers searching for those missing from the superyacht which sank off the Sicilian coast in the Mediterranean. The bodies found include British tech tycoon Mike Lynch , the UK’s Telegraph reported. The bodies have not been formally identified by the authorities yet.

It is understood that they were retrieved from inside the sunken yacht, which is reported to be lying on its side on the sea bed at a depth of 50 metres

Keep reading

One dead, six missing after luxury superyacht capsizes off sicily coast, luxury yacht sinks off sicilian coast, uk extradites autonomy co-founder mike lynch to us, how serious are the wildfires near athens, greece.

This brings the total death toll to seven; one person, reported to be the chef from the yacht, was confirmed dead on Monday.

The yacht capsized on Monday at about 5am (03:00 GMT) after it was hit by stormy weather caused by a “waterspout” – or mini tornado – according to Italian authorities.

The cruise had reportedly been undertaken to celebrate the acquittal of Lynch in a fraud trial in the United States in June.

His co-defendant in the trial, Steve Chamberlain, who was also acquitted in June, was killed after being hit by a car on Saturday.

Here’s what is known so far about the yacht, those on board and who died or were still missing after it sank.

Who was on the superyacht which sank?

According to the Italian coastguard, the 56-metre-long (184 feet) British-flagged yacht, called the Bayesian, was carrying 22 people, including 10 crew members.

One person has been confirmed dead after rescuers located a body on Monday at a depth of about 50 metres (164 feet), the AFP news agency reported. Officials have not yet given the name of the deceased but Italian media reported that he was the yacht’s chef.

AFP reported on Tuesday that divers had spotted a second body inside the sunk boat, quoting a source close to the search operation. Authorities have not confirmed it yet, though.

While not all the names of the six missing passengers were not made public officially, they were understood to include:

• Mike Lynch, 59, a British-Irish technology businessman who co-founded British tech company Autonomy in 1996 and was once likened to Microsoft founder Bill Gates; he earned a PhD from Cambridge University
• Hannah Lynch, 18, Mike’s daughter, who had just completed her final school exams and was due to begin a degree in English at the University of Oxford this September
• Jonathan Bloomer, the 70-year-old British chairman of Morgan Stanley bank and the Hiscox insurance company, was confirmed as missing by Hiscox CEO Aki Hussain
• Judy Bloomer, Jonathan’s wife, was also confirmed as missing by Hussain
• Chris Morvillo, from British international law firm Clifford Chance, was confirmed to be missing by Salvatore Cocina, head of the Civil Protection in Sicily

Fifteen people, including Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, were rescued. Among others rescued were Charlotte Golunski, 36, a board director at Luminance, a software startup founded by Lynch; her husband, James; and their one-year-old daughter, Sophie. Golunski is understood to have kept her daughter alive by holding her above her head while she was in the water.

All those rescued are in stable condition, although eight of them have been hospitalised, according to Italian news agency Adnkronos.

What do we know about the Bayesian?

Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi constructed the superyacht in 2008 and refitted it in 2020, according to the company’s website.

The yacht’s owner is listed as Revtom Limited, a firm solely owned by Lynch’s wife, Bacares, according to company documents seen by the Reuters news agency.

It was formerly called Salute but was renamed Bayesian after Lynch’s PhD thesis and his software that earned him a fortune. Both of these were based on the statistical Bayesian theory, championed by mathematician Thomas Bayes.

Where was the Bayesian last seen and where was it going?

The Bayesian was last located on Sunday evening in the Tyrrhenian Sea, east of the harbour at Porticello, according to ship tracking websites Vessel Finder and Marine Traffic.

Porticello is a port city located near the Sicilian capital, Palermo.

The yacht had departed on August 14 from the Sicilian port of Milazzo. Its destination was reported to be the Italian city of Bagheria by the tracking websites.

Did a waterspout cause the yacht to sink?

Italian authorities reported that the stormy conditions that caused the yacht to sink were triggered by a waterspout.

A waterspout is a rotating column of whirling air and water mist – sometimes referred to as a mini tornado – according to the website of the US National Ocean Service.

The website adds that a tornadic waterspout is a tornado that forms over water or moves from land to water. They are similar to land tornadoes and can occur during thunderstorms.

Who is Stephen Chamberlain and how is he connected to this case?

Chamberlain, 52, was Lynch’s co-defendant in a fraud trial in San Francisco, which saw both men acquitted in June.

Chamberlain died in a hospital from injuries sustained when he was hit by a car while out running in Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, on Saturday. His death was confirmed by his lawyer Gary Lincenberg in a statement on Monday.

The fraud case related to Hewlett Packard’s $11bn acquisition of Autonomy, the firm Lynch grew into the UK’s leading tech company before it spectacularly unravelled after being bought by HP in 2011.

Lynch was extradited to the US in May 2023 and he spent more than a year under house arrest before his acquittal. Chamberlain was the former vice president of finance at Autonomy.

The yacht trip was supposedly a celebration of Lynch’s acquittal.

How did the rescue operation unfold?

Specialist divers began a search anew for the six missing people on Tuesday. Three divers, equipped with oxygen cylinders, descended beneath the surface to examine the wreck.

They initially faced difficulty accessing the yacht’s chambers because they were constricted by furniture.

An investigation into the wreck has been opened by prosecutors in the nearby Sicilian town of Termini Imerese.

What have survivors and witnesses said about the incident?

“It was terrible. The boat was hit by really strong wind and shortly after it went down,” survivor Golunski told the ANSA news agency.

She added that she had lost hold of her one-year-old daughter in the water for “two seconds”, but then managed to grab her and hold her up over the waves until a lifeboat inflated and they were both pulled to safety. She reported that people were screaming.

Karsten Borner, a captain of a nearby yacht who witnessed the sinking, said he had turned on the engine of his ship to prevent collision with the Bayesian. “We managed to keep the ship in position and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone,” he told reporters.

Bloomer’s wife, Judy, is a trustee of the Eve Appeal, a UK-based gynaecological cancer research charity. Athena Lamnisos, the CEO of the Eve Appeal, was quoted by the BBC saying she was “deeply shocked to hear the news that our very dear friend and her husband Jonathan, are among those missing”.

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Equipped with ice-breaking technology, these huge fancy yachts are the only river cruisers running all year around. The round trip journey takes two and a half hours and floats past all the big sights like the White House, Novodevichy monastery and the Kremlin. There’s a large open air observation deck up top, while the main body of the ship houses a restaurant with a dance floor for a romantic post dinner dance. For a particularly romantic experience take one of the evening boats and admire the bright lights of the city skyline at night.

The most relaxing and picturesque tour that Moscow can offer: a great way to see the city center and its main attractions. This is a perfect alternative to exploring the city by car, if you only have time to do sightseeing during weekday rush hours.

Your English-speaking guide is eager to share every bit of their knowledge about the surrounding landscape, the architecture and historical details.

We conduct Moscow river tour on Radisson Flotilla boats all year around!  It’s warm inside during winter months, while there’s air conditioning during hot summer days. You may also treat yourself to drinks, lunch or dinner on board (drinks and food are not included in tour price).

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More From Forbes

5 things to know about america’s newest cruise line.

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The new cruise line launched in 2021.

Atlas Ocean Voyages has certainly made a splash with its triad of superyachts that immediately entered the Polar expedition market after the line launched its first sailing in 2021. Typically, cruise lines test out more tried-and-true destinations like the Caribbean or the Mediterranean when they start. Not so with Atlas though, which dived in “bow first” into the Antarctic market with luxury sailings at a lower price point than the competition.

That’s what set travel advisors a-flurry. They were used to selling luxury, once-in-a-lifetime dream vacations at the Poles for five digit-starting prices, a number this cruise line has slashed significantly.

These days, Atlas Ocean Voyages has expanded beyond the typical Polar trips, but to many travelers, says Chris Gray Faust, executive editor for Cruise Critic, it still remains an unknown brand.

Here are five things to know about America’s newest cruise line.

A fleet of three, and just three

Atlas Ocean Voyages has three ships, which it calls super yachts, in its fleet.

Atlas launched with World Navigator in late 2021, a ship that can hold 196 passengers (far fewer than its luxury competitors like Seabourn or Regent Seven Seas). All ships in the fleet have almost a 1-to-1 staff to guest ratio. The line has continued the same trend with World Traveller, which debuted in 2022, and its newest vessel, World Voyager. It began sailing late last year.

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Its fleet is all purpose-built expedition vessels, something that competitor lines have added after testing the marketplace, comprising Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified ships. And these aren’t the expedition ships of years past, they look more like billionaire yachts and are built to withstand environmental pressures in the same way those money makers withstand market ups and downs.

Atlas has ships in the Polar regions almost the entire year.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is the only luxury cruise line to offer Polar expeditions on almost a year-round basis with ships rotating between the Poles. It does not sail during April or October to either region. This past winter season, its entire fleet was operating expedition sailings in Antarctica. No other cruise line has doubled down in such a way.

This year, it has two of its super yachts in the Arctic. Its goal, say executives, is to take people to the polar edges of the Arctic and the Antarctic without charging what the competition does, but without missing out on the premium that such an exclusive trip would cost. That sweet spot is unique in expedition cruising.

A guest room aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages

It is also offering several fly-in options to the seventh continent so that queasy travelers do not need to endure the sometimes-rocky Drake Passage. Starting in the 2025-2026 season, the line will double the number of fly-in options.

Operating smaller cruise ships also gives it an edge in the buyout world of incentive and corporate groups that often book bucket-list vacations as a reward for employees. But, it takes time to gain a foothold in the market.

“It is always a bit of a gamble for us starting out with a cruise line we haven’t chartered previously,” says Jeff Gundvaldson, president and owner of BrandGVacations. “After completing three full-ship charters, with several more on the books, we couldn’t be happier. Our guests absolutely love the design of the ship and her cabins as well as the food and service levels.”

Smaller ships can visit niche ports that larger cruise lines cannot access.

The ships can reach the Polar regions as well as its growing roster of cultural immersion sailings through Iceland, Northern Europe, South America and the Caribbean. These yachts can squeeze into smaller ports and waterways , like the “Corinth Canal in Greece and Guadalquivir River in Spain,” according to the line’s website.

Atlas is a private company with no imminent plans to take the business public and no current plans to grow its fleet.

For now, executives say, the focus is on growing technology and online partner booking systems as well as expanding outreach to travel agents.

An epicurean focus

The grab-and-go market is complimentary and open 24 hours a day.

Its polar sailings are a mainstay of the brand, and they do not skimp on food and beverage (including a unique grab-and-go concept that is open 24 hours a day). But, it is the mid-season, Mediterranean sailings that the young line has turned into a foodie escape.

These cruises are branded “Epicurean Expeditions” and bring aboard well-known chefs and experts from notable restaurants, magazines and TV programs to interact with guests. They vary from sailing to sailing, which is one of the reasons that some travelers choose to do back-to-back itineraries to see the onboard programming and not just the ports of call.

The onboard cuisine often includes local recipes from the day's port of call.

Recent sailings have included food expert Mara Papatheodorou, contributing editor to Bon Appetit magazine, and chocolate expert Julieta Davey, also known as Mamá Cacao.

Other sailings hosted names like Top Chef Brazil winner Luciana Berry, who appears on Bravo, and Peter Campbell, who has had stints on The Food Network and a master pizza chef.

Their expertise not only provides entertainment and value to passengers, but it also helps the cruise line seek out unique experiences for its customers, too.

Many of the presentations and activities, including foodie "cookoffs" between guests take place in ... [+] the lounge.

Activities include live cooking demonstrations, guest lectures, guided port visits to local markets, culinary competitions with guidance from the onboard experts and the chance to chat one-on-one over a meal or in the bar with leaders in the food and beverage industry.

A new partnership with Academia Barilla brings its famous Chef Marcello Zaccaria, who has been personal chef to celebrities and diplomats, aboard select sailings to share everything he knows about pasta from how to cook it properly to what to pair it with during each meal.

Earlier this year, Atlas started its “Cultural Expeditions,” which it says will follow the same type of immersive experience (with onboard experts) as its culinary sailings.

Small ships, big aspirations (especially for sustainability)

The pool deck has two whirlpools and is ringed by a jogging track one deck above it.

While the three super yachts are small (fewer than 200 passengers), they offer plenty of private space with decks at the front and back of the ship for those that don’t want to sit by the main pool.

The size of a smaller ship also allows it the ability to call on niche destinations that the bigger lines cannot visit (even luxury brands like Seabourn and Silversea).

Another element that has been a part of Atlas from the start is having a zero-waste operation in the kitchens. For example, things like onion skins might be turned into onion powder used in sauces for other dishes. Ideally, each sailing would disembark with minimal fruit and vegetables remaining.

Outdoor dining offers a second restaurant option.

Historical data, like with airlines, helps the cruise line plan for the percentage of different food items to provision for a particular sailing, depending on the audience, destination or length of the cruise. This prevents waste of food items that could otherwise go bad.

Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, and since the buffets are heated or chilled in different areas, the cruise line can share leftover dishes with staff in addition to their regular menus. This is a popular perk for cruise staff, but also helps reduce waste.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is focused on operating a sustainable cruise line.

Any food waste gets sent to the pulper, which like on other ships, reduces it to a mulch-like substance that can be used as compost. It really is a zero-waste process. Bones are the only thing that cannot be put in the pulper.

It is not just above deck where the cruise line pays attention to the environment, but below deck, too. The ships are built to respect the underwater life by using a hydro-jet propulsion system that does not disturb marine life, giving passengers the chance to follow marine migrations on some voyages. This is similar to what Celebrity uses in the Galapagos, for example.

More inclusions than expected

Drinks, meals and entertainment are all included in the cruise fare. Cruise directors do double duty ... [+] as performers on many evenings.

Since this line tends to price lower than other smaller ships, the expectation from many travel advisors was that there would be fewer inclusions, but not so says Gray Faust. Atlas includes a long list of extras for all cabins like free minibars and all-hours room service (alcohol is part of the deal), a guided culinary excursion on each sailing and prepaid gratuities. While these might vary by itinerary, the idea is that the cruise line offers more for the discerning traveler than what others might.

The addition of some shore excursions and gratuities puts it in the window of lines like Viking, which have taken the small-ship market by storm in an effort to bring a more exclusive experience to sailors.

Some activities are complimentary, but others carry a fee.

Atlas does not provide complimentary shore excursions in each port of call, however. They sell options of varying lengths and price points. On Polar expeditions, its Zodiac landings are included, but additional activities like kayaking and overnight camping are not.

Onboard entertainment is another area that may surprise. There is a theater, but it is used more for presentations rather than revue shows although live entertainment is a nightly event in the ship’s bars and lounges.

A “second guest sails free” promotion offered outside of peak Polar sailing season has proven popular as Atlas works to build its name. It end Sept. 30 although executives say another promotion will replace it.

An evolved experience

Zephyr Lounge is an outdoor deck popular throughout the day.

When the brand first launched, it had a few service hiccups. But, that does not seem to be the norm anymore, says Gray Faust.

“When Atlas launched in 2021, it positioned itself more as a top-of-the-line luxury brand, which meant it was competing with well-established cruise lines that have been providing amenities such as caviar on demand and butler service for decades. That's a high bar of entry, particularly when we've seen other companies, such as Ritz-Carlton and, soon, Four Seasons, enter that space.”

She noted occasional service hiccups, but that the line has been making strides and correcting that fairly quickly.

Atlas ships sail in the Polar regions almost all year.

Don Bucolo of EatSleepCruise.com agrees, saying that he has noticed more diverse menus, better food flavor and improved service after sailing the line for the second time.

“We were amazed how a few crew members we met on our first sailing remembered us and quickly recalled our drink orders,” says Bucolo. “That level of detail is something you rarely find on larger cruise ships.”

According to Gray Faust, the line hired key industry veterans in 2022 to help with execution.

Atlas executives say that “consistency in execution across all destinations and yachts” is the focus before adding capacity.

There is also a new loyalty program , Atlas Yacht Club, which started earlier this year. Members earn cruise discounts, onboard credits and welcome gifts based on the number of nights they sail.

Atlas yachts have numerous outdoor decks.

“Prices and value have started to build a cadre of loyal guests; meanwhile, the line has worked hard to improve its service and onboard product,” Gray Faust adds.

She praises the onboard amenities that are a standout for small expedition shops. They include things like L’Occitane toiletries in the showers with fantastic pressure and multi-head nozzles, more than one dining option each night (all included) and plentiful power outlets.

While noting great value, Bucolo’s shares that the atmosphere is more relaxed and less stuffy than other more expensive, luxury cruise lines.

Atlas specializes in expedition sailings.

Atlas Ocean Voyages seems to have tapped into a void in the cruise space where price and exclusivity meet bucket-list itineraries. Only time will tell if this strategy will work, but according to Gray Faust, the proof is in the pudding. This affordable approach to expedition luxury is something the cruise industry was missing.

Gray Faust says: “the expedition cruising landscape is more crowded than ever, but Atlas does seem to be carving out a niche for value and giving passengers an excellent trip, at an affordable price.”

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Who was onboard tech mogul Mike Lynch's Bayesian yacht?

Topic: Disasters, Accidents and Emergency Incidents

Six people are missing, including a man dubbed the British Bill Gates, after a luxury yacht sank off the Sicilian coast.

British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch — freshly acquitted from a decade-long trial — had invited his work colleagues aboard a trip through the Mediterranean coast when a freak storm saw the yacht sink within moments.

Fifteen people escaped from the sinking vessel. The search for the missing continues.

Here's what we know so far: 

What happened?

The Italian coastguard said the yacht — the Bayesian — was anchored off the shore of port city Porticello, near the Sicilian capital Palermo, when it was hit by bad weather sometime after 4am on Monday, local time. 

Eyewitnesses said it vanished quickly beneath the waves shortly before dawn.

Managers of the sailing vessel Bayesian, Camper & Nicholsons, confirmed to the ABC that the Bayesian encountered severe weather and subsequently sank. 

"Our priority is assisting with the ongoing search and providing all necessary support to the rescued passengers and crew," they said. 

"The wind was very strong. Bad weather was expected, but not of this magnitude," a coastguard official told Reuters.

Sicily's civil protection agency head, Salvo Cocina, said a waterspout — a tornado over the water — could have struck the yacht.

"They were in the wrong place at the wrong time," Mr Cocina added. 

Storms and heavy rainfall had swept down Italy in recent days after weeks of scorching heat, lifting the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea to record levels and raising the risk of extreme weather conditions, experts told Reuters.

"The sea surface temperature around Sicily was around 30 degrees Celsius, which is almost 3 degrees more than normal. This creates an enormous source of energy that contributes to these storms," meteorologist Luca Mercalli said.

Rescuers recover the body of one of the people aboard the Bayesian.  ( AP: Lucio Ganci )

Captain Karsten Borner of the Sir Robert Baden Powell vessel told journalists he noticed the Bayesian nearby during the storm, but after it calmed he saw a red flare and realised the ship had simply disappeared.

Mr Borner said he and a crew member boarded their tender and found a lifeboat with 15 people, some of them injured, who they then took aboard and alerted the coast guard.

Search crews, including helicopters and divers, are continuing to search the wreckage, lying at a depth of 49 metres.

Specialist divers reached the ship on Monday but access was limited due to objects in the way, the fire brigade said.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch is deploying a team of four inspectors to Italy to conduct a preliminary assessment.

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development office said it was "providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families".

Sicilian prosecutors have also opened an investigation into the event. 

Who is missing?

Lawyer Chris Morvillo (left), entrepreneur Mike Lynch, and Morgan Stanley chairman Jonathan Bloomer are among the missing. 

There were 12 passengers and 10 crew members aboard the yacht. 

Mr Cocina said the crew and passengers hailed from a variety of countries, including Britain, the United States, Antigua, France, Germany, Ireland, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain.

Of the 22, one man is confirmed dead and another six people are still missing. 

They are believed to be inside the hull, fire rescue spokesperson Luca Cari said.

Fabio Cefalù, a fisherman who said he responded to a flare from the vessel but found it sunk, said he stayed at the site for three hours without finding anyone.

"I think they are inside, all the missing people," he said.

Rescue teams recovered the body of the yacht's onboard chef on Monday, identified as Antiguan citizen Ricardo Thomas.

The still missing people include: 

• Mr Lynch's 18-year-old daughter, Hannah 
• Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of global financial services company Morgan Stanley International
• Chris Morvillo , a lawyer at the British multinational law firm Clifford Chance. He worked on Mr Lynch's lawsuit against Hewlett-Packard
• The identities of the remaining two missing are still unconfirmed

Who was rescued? 

Fifteen people escaped from the sinking ship. 

Eight have been hospitalised and others were taken to a nearby hotel.

Charlotte Golunski was among those rescued, recalling the harrowing moments she held her child Sofia above the waves.  ( Supplied: Facebook  )

Among those rescued were:

• Mr Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, who was the owner of the yacht
• Charlotte Golunski and her one-year-old daughter, Sofia. Ms Golunski is a partner at Mr Lynch's firm, Invoke Capital. She says she momentarily lost hold of Sofia in the water but managed to hold her up above the waves until the lifeboat was inflated
• Ms Golunski's husband James Emslie
• New Zealand captain of the yacht James Catfield. He told Italian newspaper La Repubblica the crew didn't see the storm coming
• A lone Dutch citizen was identified by the Dutch foreign ministry as being rescued, but was not identified

Who is Mike Lynch?

Mr Lynch, once hailed as Britain’s king of technology, was recently freed from a Silicon Valley lawsuit that tarnished his legacy. 

The 59-year-old Cambridge-educated mathematician created Autonomy , a search engine that could pore through emails and other internal business documents to help companies find vital information more quickly. 

He received the OBE for his innovation in 2006. 

He then sold the software to Hewlett-Packard (HP) for $US11 billion ($16 billion) in 2011, with Mr Lynch personally netting $US800 million. 

HP valued Autonomy at $US46 billion ($68 billion) in the months leading up to the deal.

Mike Lynch in 2019 leaving the High Court in London.  ( Reuters: Henry Nicholls/File Photo )

But the deal quickly turned sour after he was accused of forging the software's financial records to make the sale.

As part of a decades-long legal battle against HP, Mr Lynch was extradited to the UK on criminal fraud charges. 

He steadfastly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he was being made a scapegoat for HP's own bungling. 

He was eventually cleared of all charges in June this year. 

Although he avoided a possible prison sentence, Lynch still faced a bill from a civil case in London that HP mostly won during 2022. Damages haven't been determined in that case, but HP is seeking $US4 billion. 

Following the San Francisco trial, Mr Lynch said he would return to the UK and do what he loved most: "[being with] my family and innovating in my field."

The holiday appeared to be something of a celebration after Mr Lynch's acquittal, with guests including some of the people who had stood by Lynch throughout the ordeal.

This picture shows the rescue operations off the Sicilian coast.  ( AP: Italian Coast Guard  )

In a separate act of tragedy, Mr Lynch's co-defendant in the trial, Stephen Chamberlain, died on Monday, after a road accident left him critically injured.

Mr Chamberlain — Autonomy's former vice-president of finance alongside Mr Lynch — was hit by a car in Cambridgeshire on Saturday morning and had been placed on life support. 

What is the Bayesian?

The luxury yacht is 56m long sailboat, with a 75m mast labelled as the tallest aluminium mast in the world.

It was previously named Salute when it flew under a Dutch flag.

The yacht, built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi, can accommodate up to 12 guests in six suites and a crew of 10, according to online specialist yacht sites. It was last refitted in 2020.

Online charter sites listed it for rent for up to 195,000 euros (about $AU 321,000) a week. 

This picture taken on Sunday shows the Bayesian (left) and the Duch sailboat Sir Robert Baden Powell anchored off the coast line.   ( AP: Fabio La Bianca/Baia Santa Nicolicchia )

The ship also won a string of awards for its design. 

Ms Golunski said the yacht had travelled through the Aeolian Islands, Milazzo and Cefalù before sinking. 

It is likely the yacht's name would resonate with Mr Lynch because his PhD thesis and the software that made his fortune was based on Bayesian theory.

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The Best Cruises for Exploring the Galapagos Islands

Galapagos cruises are the best way to experience the collection of remote, mostly uninhabited islands about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. But cruises to the Galapagos Islands aren’t like cruises anywhere else. The ships here are smaller, with some carrying as few as 16 passengers. There are no water slides, elaborate Broadway shows, casinos, or wild nightclubs. And don’t expect big bus tours in port either.

Galapagos cruises are about experiencing nature and wildlife while limiting environmental impact as much as possible. Ships are built for sustainability, toting items like kayaks, paddleboards, and scuba gear. Itineraries may feature two active excursions a day, limiting downtime on board the ship. Instead of museums and historic sights, you’ll visit uninhabited islands to encounter marine iguanas, sea lions, unspoiled beaches, and the adventures of a lifetime.

Trips to the Galapagos Islands are logistically complicated, making cruises an especially good way to experience the area. Travelers to the Galapagos Islands must first fly to Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador , for a night before flying to the Galapagos to board their ships. All travelers must also be accompanied by National Parks Guides who can help them navigate these largely undeveloped islands.

Galapagos cruise itineraries are typically a week long and cover a portion of the islands, sometimes more. Here’s everything to know about cruising in the Galapagos, from frequently asked questions to the best Galapagos cruise itineraries to book now.

Best luxury Galapagos cruise

Best galapagos cruise for adventure seekers, best galapagos cruises for solo travelers, best small ship galapagos cruise, best galapagos cruises for families, best galapagos cruise for lifelong learners, best galapagos cruise for foodies, when is the best time to cruise the galapagos islands.

With pleasant temperatures all year long, the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is whenever you’re ready to go. Several cruise lines sail to the Galapagos Islands all year long. While you can see wildlife all year, December is hatching season for the giant tortoises, and July is mating season for blue-footed boobies and short-eared owls. Sea turtles lay their eggs early in the year and fully formed marine iguanas typically hatch in April and May.

Are Galapagos cruises expensive?

The Galapagos Islands aren’t a bargain destination. Expect to pay somewhere between $5,000 and $12,000 per traveler depending on the ship, itinerary, and length of the voyage. But one thing’s for sure: Whatever your preference, there’s a Galapagos Islands cruise for you. These are seven of the best Galapagos cruises for every type of traveler.

Whatever your preference, there’s a Galapagos Islands cruise for you. For those who want to travel in style, the ships of luxury cruise line Ecoventura meet expectations—and then some.

Ecoventura offers one of the most luxurious—and family-friendly cruises—in the Galapagos. Each of its three expedition yachts—the Origin, Theory, and Evolve —can accommodate 20 guests across 10 staterooms. These seven-night all-inclusive voyages make environmental responsibility a priority, encouraging guests to join the effort to help preserve this delicate area. Children six and up are welcome on board. Some staterooms connect to create spacious family suites, and two are designed to accommodate three guests each. Kids menus, children’s activities, and a kids club are also available. For adults, there’s a fitness center, jacuzzi, cooking demonstrations, and group cooking classes. You’ll also find kayaks, standup paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and zodiacs on board. On shore, naturalists lead daily two-hour nature walks, visiting lava fields, scenic cliffs, and secluded beaches. Replenish yourself at the onboard restaurant which serves a breakfast buffet, afternoon tea, and multi-course lunch and dinner menus.

Uncruise’s Galapagos island cruise will take you to seven islands over the course of a week on board La Pinta , a 48-passenger yacht boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, a sundeck, a fitness center, and a hot tub. This isn’t the newest or most luxurious ship sailing the Galapagos, but it’s comfortable and has been recently refurbished. It also comes with everything you need to make the most of your Galapagos adventure—including kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, scuba equipment, and a glass-bottom boat. This is a Galapagos cruise where nature and wildlife take center stage: Hike Dragon Hill on Isla Santa Cruz while looking for iguanas and flamingos, paddleboard alongside sea lions at Isla Floreana, or enjoy a stroll along a secluded white-sand beach. This small cruise operator prides itself on cruises that don’t feel like cruises. If you think cruising isn’t your thing, Uncruise might change your mind.

Join a small group of future friends on the Reina Silvia Voyager , G Adventures’ newest catamaran that’s custom-built for sailing the Galapagos. This vessel began sailing in 2022, and two of its 10 cabins are designed for solo travelers . These solo cabins are no tiny hideaways. Each comes with a queen-sized bed, desk, and a large picture window to frame your Galapagos view. A 10-day itinerary starts and ends in Quito, taking guests on a journey through the Central and East Islands to look for sea lions, iguanas, and a seemingly endless variety of birds. Go kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, or paddleboarding—or kick back and relax on the spacious sundeck while enjoying some of the most unspoiled views in the world. There’s a chef on board to ensure you never go hungry, a jacuzzi to soothe sore muscles, lots of spaces for socializing when you want to, and a bar that’s perfect for sunset cocktails.

Avalon Waterways may be better known for its European river cruises , but it also sails the Galapagos Islands. The Treasure of the Galapagos is a gorgeous small ship, carrying a maximum of 16 guests. And while there’s no long list of restaurants onboard, there are creative, locally inspired menus featuring seasonal ingredients and lots of vegetarian options. You’ll also find daily natural history lectures, a team of multilingual naturalists, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, and a plunge pool.

If you have family members who are keen on science and nature, then the a science center on board the Hurtigruten Expedition’s MS Santa Cruz II will be sure to delight.

There may be no better way to get your kid interested in science and history than a Galapagos Islands cruise on board Hurtigruten Expedition’s MS Santa Cruz II . The ship operates a Citizen Science Program, enlisting guests to help with completing research projects. There’s also a science center on board and a slate of lectures and expert-led discussions. The HX In Darwin’s Footsteps itinerary follows the famous evolutionary biologist’s journey through the Galapagos. Walk along a beach Darwin visited in 1835, see the giant tortoises, which have a lifespan of over 100 years, that may have greeted him nearby, and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, which helps care for endangered baby tortoises. Only about 15,000 Galapagos tortoises remain in existence, and there really is no better place to learn about them or the endangerment of wildlife. While there’s no specific kids programming, children six and up are welcome onboard the MS Santa Cruz II.

If you grew up reading National Geographic magazine, you’ll want to hop on board the National Geographic Gemini . The ship sails the Galapagos as part of a partnership between Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic , two legendary names in exploration. National Geographic experts lead these journeys and they’re often joined by National Geographic photographers. Kids can join the National Geographic Global Explorers program, a hands-on experience designed to teach them about geographic exploration and scientific research. The National Geographic Gemini can accommodate up to 48 passengers in 27 guest suites. More than a dozen suites come with private balconies, one of which is large enough to accommodate a private hot tub. (Don’t fret if that suite is already booked, there’s a whirlpool hot tub on the sundeck that’s open to all guests.) You’ll also find a well-stocked library, a well-stocked bar, and meals made with locally sourced ingredients on board.

If you want to learn about Ecuadorian cuisine while sailing the Galapagos, Silversea may be the cruise line for you. Silversea is a luxury cruise line known for its next-level onboard dining programs . Learn all about the local cuisine from the ship’s executive chef while feasting on locally sourced meat and produce—you can try Ecuadorian cheese aged in lava tubes and even make ceviche during a hands-on cooking demonstration. The Silver Origin ’s onboard restaurants serve a mix of international, traditional, and modern Ecuadorian food, and vegans and vegetarians aren’t afterthoughts here. Each Silversea suite comes with the service of a butler; most have private teak verandas as well. With a capacity for 100 guests, Silversea’s Silver Origin is one of the largest ships sailing the Galapagos Islands, but these voyages regularly sell out, so be sure to book early.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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Superyacht sinks latest: Investigators reveal where bodies were found as probe looks at 'crew's responsibility'

Italian officials revealed at a news conference there could be "a question of manslaughter" as they opened a shipwreck investigation and said the probe is also looking at the "crew's responsibility".

Saturday 24 August 2024 18:33, UK

• Superyacht sinking

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• Prosecutor: There 'could be a question of manslaughter'
• Probe 'concentrating' on crew's responsibility
• Seven bodies recovered after five-day search of superyacht wreckage off Sicily
• Saturday's papers pay tribute to youngest victim Hannah Lynch
• Hannah's sister pays tribute to 'my little angel'
• Explained: Inside the superyacht | What challenges have faced divers?
• Eyewitness: Sombre scenes greet rescue teams as final body is brought ashore
• Live reporting by Niamh Lynch

We're ending our live coverage for this evening but here is a recap of what we know:

• Prosecutors have opened a manslaughter investigation into the Bayesian sinking;
• Officials have revealed more details on their investigation and the difficult five-day rescue mission;
• The six bodies found during the search in recent days were all in cabins on the left-hand - and highest - side of the ship. Five were found in the first cabin and the sixth was found in the third;
• Prosecutors said the six passengers were most likely asleep when the boat sank;
• The probe is now focusing on the crew and their responsibilities, with the captain set to undergo more questioning.

Monday 19 August

The Bayesian yacht, flying a British flag, sinks at around 5am local time when the area was hit by a tornado.

Fifteen people are rescued from the 56 metre vessel - including a mother and baby - but another seven remain missing.

One body, later confirmed to be the yacht's chef Recaldo Thomas, is found near the wreck.

It emerges that British technology tycoon Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah are among six people that remain missing.

Tuesday 20 August

The search continues for the six tourists missing.

It is reported that among those missing are Morgan Stanley International chairman Jonathan Bloomer; his wife, Judy Bloomer; Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo; and his wife, Neda Morvillo.

Police divers try to reach the hull of the ship, resting at a depth of 50 metres.

Italy's fire brigade Vigili del Fuoco say early inspections of the wreck were "unsuccessful" because of limited access to the bridge and furniture obstructing passages.

The operation is later described as "complex", with divers limited to 12-minute underwater shifts.

Tributes pour in for Mr Thomas, with his friend Gareth Williams saying: "I can talk for everyone that knew him when I say he was a well-loved, kind human being with a calm spirit."

Wednesday 21 August

The search for the six people unaccounted for enters a third day, with crews carrying out inspections of the yacht's internal hull.

A team of four British inspectors from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) arrive in Porticello to look at the site of the sinking.

A helicopter is drafted in to help with the search effort and remotely controlled underwater vehicles are being used, with naval units and cave divers also taking part in the search.

Five bodies are found inside the yacht on Wednesday afternoon. Only four of them are brought to shore.

Body bags are seen being taken to Porticello in the afternoon where dozens of emergency services staff wait.

Searches finish for the day just before 7.30pm.

Thursday 22 August

The search resumes for the remaining missing person.

The body of the fifth missing person, found but not recovered the previous day, is brought to shore.

A fire service boat with flashing blue lights returns with a blue body bag to the port of Porticello just after 8.45am local time on Thursday.

Tributes pour in for Mr Lynch and Mr and Mrs Bloomer after they are identified as having died.

The search is called off at around 8pm in Sicily, with divers expected to begin again at 6.30am on Friday.

Friday 23  August

The search continues for the final person missing from the wreck of the Bayesian, Hannah Lynch.

Vincenzo Zagarola, of the Italian Coastguard, says the search for Hannah has not been "easy or quick", comparing the sunken yacht to an "18-storey building full of water".

The coastguard confirms in the late morning that her body has been found.

A green body bag is brought to the port of Porticello from the site of the sinking.

A spokesperson announces on behalf of the Lynch family that they are "devastated" and "in shock" after the deaths of Mike and Hannah.

Hannah's sister Esme pays tribute to her "little angel".

Saturday 24 August

A press conference is held in the court of an Italian town, Termini Imerese.

Public prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio tells reporters that his office has opened an initial investigation against unknown persons into manslaughter and negligent shipwreck.

As the focus now turns to the manslaughter investigation, here's another reminder of the seven victims of the sinking and the 15 people who survived. 

A close friend of the Lynch family has added to the chorus of tributes for British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, who died in Monday's superyacht sinking.

Susannah Gurdun, who lives in Suffolk, recalled being "daunted" when she first met Mr Lynch at a dinner party, before discovering he was "so much more than the corporate cliche".

"He was riveting.  He was funny, and kind, and endlessly interesting; capable of talking about anything and everything," she said.

Ms Gardun said the businessman also had a "thrilling ability" to make complicated subjects "accessible to those of us less blessed with a science acumen".

"In particular, he was wonderful with children.  I will never forget hearing him explain to a group of them - including our ten year old son - the physics of why the sky went pink at sunset," she said.

She went on describe Mr Lynch as a "true genius" and "phenomenal creative".

Ms Gardun said his daughter Hannah was also showing "serious literary promise", and added that it was "beyond tragic that we will never know where her own particular brilliance might have led".

"I still feel blessed to have shared that time with them in Spain.  Not just because I witnessed Mike’s incredible storytelling; but because I was given a chance of understanding what that moment said about all four of them as a united vibrant loving family," she said.

"He was an extraordinary human being and it was - truly - a privilege to have known him."

A yacht crew member who survived the sinking has paid tribute to Hannah Lynch, calling her a "diamond in a sea of stars".

Sasha Murray, chief stewardess of the Bayesian, has released a statement after divers recovered the final missing body from the wreckage, which is believed to be 18-year-old Hannah.

"Those who knew her will know that Hannah was a diamond in a sea of stars," she said.

"Bright, beautiful and always shining. What most people may not have seen was the extraordinarily strong, deep and loving relationship she shared with her parents, whom she adored more than anything. 

"While swimming with them she often said, if anything ever happened she would save them. 

"I have no doubt that the Irish, Latina fire that burns in her soul kept that spirited determination alive."

Ms Murray's statement comes as a new image of Hannah Lynch and her father Mike Lynch is released:

Prosecutors announced in this morning's news conference that they have opened a manslaughter and negligent shipwreck investigation.

Officials were unable to answer several queries from the media, saying they needed time to establish the facts, but what are the key questions facing prosecutors? 

Why weren't passengers who remained on board the vessel warned about escaping from the yacht?

The prosecutor in charge of the case, Raffaele Cammarano, suggested that some passengers may have been asleep when others were awake.

Asked why they were not woken up or alerted, he said that is something investigators are trying to work out from the statements of the survivors.

He called it an "essential" part of the inquiry.

Why were several of the passengers in one cabin?

The press conference heard several bodies onboard the sunken yacht were found in a single cabin which was not theirs.

Mr Cammarano said investigators currently do not know the reason for them being discovered in the same cabin.

The chief of the Palermo fire service, Bentivoglio Fiandra, said the yacht pinned to the right and suggested people tried to go on the other side, taking refuge in cabins in the higher part of the wreck.

Why did the boat sink?

The vessel had been deemed "unsinkable" by its manufacturer - Italian shipyard Perini Navi.

The Bayesian was hit by a downburst, according to Mr Cammarano, which are powerful winds that descend from a thunderstorm and spread out quickly once they hit the ground.

Officials will look into the safety equipment on the sunken vessel.

Mr Cammarano was asked about whether there is a black box and if the hatches were left open.

He said investigators do not have exact information about the black box and that the first phase of the inquiry will look into it.

Why were nearby vessels not similarly affected?

Another yacht, the Sir Robert BP, was about 150 to 200 metres from the Bayesian when extreme weather hit.

Its crew helped to rescue 15 people from the stricken vessel.

Italian officials said they would be looking at how the downburst could affect one vehicle and not other nearby vessels.

What weather warnings was the Bayesian alerted to?

Maritime director of western Sicily, Rear Admiral Raffaele Macauda, said the weather at the time of the yacht's sinking was abnormal and there was nothing to suggest such an extreme situation would arise.

He said there were forecasts of winds and a storm alert, but there was no warning of a tornado.

"Given that the conditions were such, there wasn't anything to suggest there could be an extreme situation arising," he said.

"There are vessels that can monitor, after all, these events and one would have thought that the captain had taken precautions."

How long will it take to recover the sailing vessel?

Mr Macauda could not confirm how long it would take to retrieve the shipwreck of the sunken yacht.

"Everything depends on the availability of the owners and the timeframe of the retrieval of the wreck and of course all that has to be submitted to the port authorities and in parallel of course there will be the inquiry results and it's only really then that we will be able to authorise the operation," he said.

"I can't say, like some experts who have already spoken on the subject, [said] that it will be eight weeks."

He made clear that the owners will bear the full cost of retrieval, although he could not estimate the figure.

Italian authorities detailed the challenging and meticulous rescue operation to recover the six missing people from the Bayesian wreck (see 9.18am post).

But why was the five-day search so difficult? 

Read more below...

More on this morning's press conference. 

One of the main updates from prosecutors was that they have opened manslaughter and shipwreck investigations after the deaths of seven people in the Bayesian sinking. 

Watch the announcement below...

Prosecutors have given a lengthy news conference this morning on their investigation into the sinking of the Bayesian. 

Read the full report on the prosecutors' probe below...

Marine investigator James Wilkes has been speaking to Sky News after this morning's press conference.

"Naturally, there are more questions than there are substantive answers at the moment - that's the nature of investigative work.

"Something forced that yacht to roll beyond its nominal stability limits, such that it wasn't able to right itself with the ingress of a certain amount of seawater that was coming into the yacht. 

"So the investigators are going to ask themselves one initial question - what must the conditions have been for this to happen? 

"Then they are going to look at the contributing factors to the yacht, sinking, and, and the unfortunate loss of life." 

Prosecutors said this morning that the future of the investigation is reliant on recovering the wreck. 

Mr Wilkes said the yacht is a "major piece of physical evidence in and of itself." 

"It's lying at 50 metres, which is a recoverable depth. 

"If it was significantly deeper, then I'm not sure they'd be considering salvage at this stage or certainly, the salvage question would be a lot more complicated to answer. 

"But if there was the ability to raise that yacht in one piece safely, then it gives the investigators physically more to look at."

Mr Wilkes said he was unsure if the yacht would have a "black box" - called a voyage data recorder in shipping. 

"It would record things like GPS position, heading speed, engine telemetry, whether the radars were on, what they were recording, alarms, communications from the yacht itself, any audio on the bridge.

"But more often than not, these are on merchant ships. The yacht was a commercial yacht in the sense that it could be chartered out so it's quite possible it has a voyage data recorder on, but I'm not sure that it does. I don't know that as a matter of fact," he said.

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